Natural Remedies For IBS

I am a HUGE believer in second opinions when it comes to a medical diagnoses. I have had more than one doctor tell me surgery was needed for something, yet when I went and got a second opinion, found out that it surgery wasn’t the answer.

Now don’t get me wrong, I do believe that there are times when surgery is a must for sure, I just believe in making sure that that’s confirmed by more than one person.

For example, a few years back I was experiencing a lot of pain. I had one doctor, that even have exploratory surgery, told me that although she couldn’t see anything, she wanted to do another surgery and treat me for Endometriosis… even though she couldn’t see it.

As I sat in her office, I had an overwhelming feeling that this was NOT right. So I sought another doctors opinion.

After reading all my records and asking me a TON of questions, this doctor started asking me about my eating habits. Now mind you, up to this point, I have had NO food allergies or issues… NONE.. so I got a little prideful and kept telling him it wasn’t what I was eating. He, being the nice man he is, politely told me to just ‘do him a favor‘ and keep a food diary to see if we could match my pain with what I ate.

I reluctantly kept a food diary. I KNEW it wasn’t going to be food related.. but I did it.

Well…

After keeping a food diary for over two weeks… we found out it WAS food related.. I had/have IBS.

THANKFULLY, this doctor (who is now my favorite) also likes to treat things naturally before prescribing medicine. So with his help, and A LOT of research, I have been able to be pretty much pain free (unless I cheat .. I mean come one.. sometimes a girl just needs some ice cream) by changing my diet.

While doing all this research, I have come across some great information.

I recently came across a great article from Food Matters. I love their web site! Just like their movie, it’s packed with some great information for healthy, natural healing remedies. And they have graciously allowed me to share with you the information they posted about 7 Ways To Heal IBS!

Enjoy and have a Blessed Healthy Day!

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: it’s an affliction that affects millions of people worldwide (including one in five Americans) every day – causing chronic pain and driving those who suffer with it to their wits end.

But what if I was to tell you there is a way to kick IBS in the guts without resorting to prescription drugs and chemicals?

Here are my top seven tips to showing IBS the door naturally.

1. ELIMINATE ALLERGENS

Anyone who knows me will be able to tell you that I am not a fan of gluten! With our guts not designed to break down the protein (gluten destroys the gut lining), eradicating it from your diet can be a simple yet effective way of curing IBS – fast! Present in wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt, gluten pops up everywhere, including in bread, cereal, pasta, sauces, crackers, cakes, pastries, tortillas and beer, amongst other foods. When removing gluten from your diet to help reduce IBS therefore, it is critical to ascertain exactly what items need to be avoided in order to give your gut the true break it deserves.

Other such common allergens include dairy, yeast, eggs, corn, soy and nuts. If you get no relief from boycotting gluten (make sure you cut it out for at least six weeks), eliminating one of these other food groups from your diet (and then reintroducing each one over a period of 12 weeks), can also be an effective way to ascertain if your IBS has a trigger. And remember – whatever you eat, always ensure it is high quality, organic and unprocessed.

2. GO PROBIOTIC

When it comes to gut health, it is vital that the natural flora in the stomach is allowed to thrive. As we already know, our immune systems are connected to our gut and when our gut is not happy, our whole body is not happy. Unfortunately however, certain life stressors such as anxiety, prescription drugs, chlorinated water, farmed meat, and processed food etc. can throw off the natural bacteria in our bodies, inflaming the lining of the gut as a result.
So how to get a happy tummy? Probiotics.

Probiotics are the ‘friendly’ bacteria that keep our digestive systems healthy. Natural probiotics include sauerkraut, kefir, miso soup, kombucha, tempeh and kimchi. Apple cider vinegar is also great for ‘good’ bacteria. If you cannot get your hands on any of these foods, a good quality probiotic supplement can work equally as well.

3. OIL UP

Essential oils are one of nature’s most potent medicines. Did you know that frankincense can help to reduce inflammation in the body – boosting the immune system and supporting the human emotional and nervous core? Until Laurentine and I made the Food Matters documentary, neither did we!

Did you also know that peppermint oil can calm muscle spasms in the gut, while tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise can together soothe stomachaches and reduce bloating? Essential oils are capable of so much, and their amazing healing properties in relation to IBS are no exception

4. FEED ON FIBER

Taking additional fiber to keep your bowel functioning can be very effective at reducing IBS systems. Organic psyllium is the best in this regard in my view – adapting to the needs of the digestive system as they arise. Alternatively, a few tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds taken daily can work wonders.

5. TREAT YOUR MIND

When it comes to the physical manifestation of our inner minds, our guts tend to be a primary outlet. Many people with unresolved emotional conflict and tension present with IBS, and therefore treating the mind can be just as important as treating the body. Yoga, meditation and exercise are three such ways to help cleanse the mind and work through inner turmoil, and can make an immense difference to gut health.

6. MAP YOUR DIET

Recent research has shown that a group of gassy carbohydrates called FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols) significantly contribute to IBS. It is therefore arguably possible to reduce the symptoms of IBS by avoiding these foods. The program is known as the Low FODMAP Diet and is now recommended as one of the most effective dietary therapies for IBS. Foods to avoid include apples, onions, milk, beans and mushrooms.

7. AMEND YOUR EATING REGIME

Eating small portions slowly and regularly can help reduce the impact and strain on the gut. In doing so, IBS symptoms can be greatly decreased. Sounds easy? It is.

This is so interesting. I had my gallbladder removed when I was just 18 years old. They couldn’t see any stones, and I wasn’t the right age (usually women in their 30s who’ve had children). But I had all the symptoms, and my mom took me to a few surgeons. We found one that said he’d take it out. I felt it was the right answer. And, when he came out to talk to my mom after my surgery, he said I had the biggest gall stone of his career. The reason they didn’t see any stones was because it was so huge. I’m definitely going to try a few of these with my husband. He has stomach issues and I suspect it and he could be IBS

Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for stopping by. Yes, my friend just had the same thing happen to her. They couldn’t see anything on her gallbladder but than once they got in there, it was in horrible shape.
Glad you enjoyed the article. I know it’s helped me alot.

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Hey there~

I’m Mikki. I am Certified Health Coach and the owner and writer of this here blog.

This is where I share a little of my crazy Florida life and a lot about my love for all things healthy. I love cooking, recipe creating, eating lots of veggies, and could possibly have a slight addiction to coffee and dark chocolate.